Read More

Kay Brownsend, 58, was coming out of Poundstretcher when she spotted the armed officers.

She said: "I feel so much safer knowing the armed police are in the town. It's tragic what happened and it's a shame this wasn't enforced before as it may have been a deterrent for the Manchester tragedy."

John Reed added: "They are a friendly bunch. You can't fault them. They have been walking up and down around the town since Wednesday. I think it has brought it home seeing them guarding the area and it has frightened some people. They do look a little scary stood with their guns but that's the point of them being here."

An 80-year-old shopper who wished to remain anonymous said she felt safer in the town knowing the armed officers were in town.

Read More

She said: "I don't like coming into town as it is but it makes you feel safer knowing there are armed officers here. I don't know what the world is coming too with all these killings. It has destroyed young people's lives, not to mention their family."

Lincolnshire Police chief constable Bill Skelly said the armed officers were patrolling because the terror threat level in the UK had been raised to critical.

He said: "People in Lincolnshire can expect to see more officers on the streets, more routine checks and patrols will be taking place and, quite simply, you can expect that those officers will be around for you to approach if you have any concerns or if you need any information.

"Some of those officers will be armed. If you've ever been to a big event in the county or anything large scale and pre-planned, then you'll be used to seeing officers carrying firearms; this is a necessary response to the events of the last few days.

"At the moment you won't see soldiers on our streets. Military capability is there if we need it and, if we do, will be in accordance with a well-considered plan.

Read More

"I understand people will be anxious and concerned and I want to reassure everyone that we are well prepared. There are a number of events planned across the county coming up which people might be worried about. We are working with organisers to ensure those events are as safe and secure as possible and we hope that you are still able to go and enjoy them."

"This is an exceptional and difficult time. The key things to take away are that we are constantly reviewing and assessing and that you should be alert, not alarmed. If something seems out of place to you, talk to us. We'd much rather hear about something that comes to nothing than receive information too late to act.

"Please take note of safety advice and, in the very rare event you are caught up in any kind of weapons attack, please remember to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice."